Apparatus for packaging cigars in layers with the cigars in one layer staggered with respect to cigars in adjacent layers



Jan. 3, 1950 a. E. BOUDREAU 2,493,221

APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING CIGARS 'IN LAYERS WITH THE CIGARS IN ONE LAYER STAGGERED WITH RESPECT TO CIGARS IN ADJACENT LAYERS Filed July 4, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 N I N VEN TOR.

(Fm/1R0 5 5000/?540 Qzn/Zirjid ATTORNEY Jan. 3, 1950 G. E. BOUDREAU 2,493,221

APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING CIGARS IN LAYERS WITH THE CIGARS IN ONE LAYER STAGG'ERED WITH RESPECT TO CIGARS IN ADJACENT LAYERS Filed July 4, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 J N V EN TOR. (i/RARD t. 801/0R540 ZZZZ/ A TTOR/VEX Patented Jan. 3, 1950 APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING CIGARS IN LAYERS WITH THE CIGARS IN ONE LAYER STAGGERED WITH RESPECT TO CIGARS IN ADJACENT LAYERS Girard E. Boudreau, Clinton, Iowa, assignor to E. I. du Pont de Nemours'& Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application July 4, 1945, Serial No. 603,187

8 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for packaging. More particularly, it relates to a new and improved apparatus for automatically packaging cigars in cigar boxes.

Cigars are usually packaged in cigar boxes in quantities of 25 and 50. The cigars are arranged in two superimposed layers in the box when the box contains 25 cigars, and in four superimposed layers when the box contains 50 cigars. In packaging 25 cigars in a box, it is customary for the lower layer to be formed of 13 cigars and the upper layer of 12 cigars. Generally, the length of the box is such as to conveniently accommodate a layer of 13 cigars, and thus when the top layer is inserted into the box a cardboard dummy of approximately the same diameter as a cigar is included in the top layer. Some cigar manufacturers prefer the top layer to be composed of 13 cigars, and in this case the dummy is included in th lower layer. In packaging 50 cigars in a box of a length to accommodate a layer of 13 cigars, generally the lowermost layer is composed of 11 cigars and a dummy equivalent to 2 cigars, and the other three layers composed of 13 cigars each. Some cigar manufacturers package their cigars in boxes without utilizing any dummies. In such cases, the box is made of such length that it will conveniently accommodate a layer of 12 cigars, and alternate layers composed of 12 and 13 cigars'respectively are packed therein, the layers containing 13 cigars being slightly compressed laterally so that they will tightly fit in the box.

Attempts have been made to package cigars in boxes of a length to accommodate a layer of 13 cigars in alternate layers of 13 and 12 and with the cigars in one layer being in staggered relationship with the cigars in the layers adjacent thereto. Such a method of packaging could be carried out manually but the proper positioning of the cigars in the various layers in the box made the operation tedious and expen sive. Such a method of packaging could not be carried out automatically by prior art packaging machines for the reason that the layers of 12 cigars could not be inserted in the box in proper position.

An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved method of and apparatus for packaging cigars.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method of and apparatus for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in boxes and wherein the articles of one layer are disposed in staggered relationship to the articles in the layer adjacent thereto.

Other and additional objects will become apparent hereinafter.

The objects of the invention are accomplished, in general, by inserting a layer of cigars into a cigar box disposed in position to receive the same, shifting the cigar box a distance equivalent to approximately one-half of the diameter of a cigar, and then inserting a second layer of cigars on the previously inserted layer, the number of cigarsin the second layer being one less than the number of cigars in the first layer whereby the cigars in one layer are in staggered relationship to the cigars in the other layer. When the box is to contain four layers of cigars, after the second layer of cigars has been inserted in the box the latter is shifted back to the position in which it was when it received the first layer and the third layer of cigars inserted. The box is then shifted, as previously described in connection with the insertion of the second layer of cigars, and the fourth layer of cigars inserted. The number of cigars in the first and third layers is the same. Likewise, the number of cigars in the second and fourth layers is the same.

The various layers of cigars are introduced in the box by a plunger, the downward movement of which is controlled in accordance with the position to be assumed in the box by the layer of cigars being inserted. Thus, when the first layer of cigars is introduced, the downward movement of the plunger is such as to insert said layer in the bottom of the box, and thereafter, for each subsequent insertion of a layer of cigars in the box, the downward movement of the plunger is decreased an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar. A pair of spaced guides receive and dispose the cigars in position for insertion in the box by the plunger. The guides are yieldingly mounted and are provided with means which cooperate with fingers carried by the plunger whereby, just at the moment the plunger engages the cigars on the guides, the latter will be spread apart (moved away from each other) to release the cigars and permit the plunger to pass therebetween. The guides are maintained in open position until the plunger passes therebetween to return to its normal position above the guides, at which time tension means return the guides to their original and normal position. delivered from the cigar-making machine, cigarbanding or cigar-wrapping machine, as the case may be, to the guides at the rear thereof. Adjacent the forward end of the guides, an automatically adjustable stop determines the num- The cigars are continuously her of cigars to be positioned on the guides for insertion as a layer in the box. The plunger is provided with a stop which, during the insertion of a layer of cigars into the box, prevents feeding of the cigars onto the guides. The cigar box' is disposed beneath the guides and in position to receive the layer of cigars inserted by the plunger. Means are provided to shift the cigar box after the insertion in the box of each layer of cigars in such a direction that the cigars of the next layer will be disposed in staggered relationship to the cigars of the layer inserted thereto previously. The plunger, the box-shifting mechanism, the stop mechanism for controlling the number of cigars to be inserted, and the releasing of the cigars by the guides are actuated in timed. relationship to effect the desired function thereof in the necessary sequence.

The nature and details of the invention will become more apparent upon reference tothe following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure l is a side elevation, partly in section and partly broken away, of anapparatus for packaging cigars and embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section taken on the line 33 of Figure 1; and

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified form of the plunger-actuating mechanism.

.Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts, the reference numeral in (see Figure 2) designates a discharge table on a cigar-wrapping machine provided with edge guides I2 to cooperate with the ends. of the cigars and keep the cigars in proper position transversely of the discharge table. The discharge table Ill terminates in advance of a pair of oppositely disposed cigar guides I4 which are inalignment with the guides l2 and onto. which the cigars are fed from the discharge table II].

The details of construction of both guides. 14, as. well, as the elements appurtenant thereto, are identical and, therefore, only the details of construction and elements appurtenant to one. guide I 4 will be, described specifically.

As shown. in Figures 2 and 3, each. guide 14 is. formed of an angle iron carried on a guidesnpporting plate 16. Screws I8, extending through slots in the guide-supporting, plate "5,. secure the plate E6 to a stationary plate 22 an.- propriatelymounted on a table 24 of the machine. By virtue of the slots 20, the guide plate I6 is slidably disposed on the supporting plate 22. A. washer 26 is positioned intermediate the head of the screw I8 and the plate 56. When the outerends of the slots 2@ engage the screws l8, the plates 16 will be in normal position and the guides 1.4. are in spaced relationship with respect to each other so that the horizontal legs thereof will support the cigars, lying transversely of the guides, adjacent the cigar ends, and the cigar ends will be. in close proximity to the vertical legs of the guides. A pair of springs 30 cooperate with each guide plate 16 to maintain the guide [4 carried thereby in its normal position. As shown. in Figures 2 and 3, each spring 38 is positioned between a lug 32 fixedly secured to the plate 22 and the vertical leg of the guides 54. Pins 34 on the lug 32 and pins 36 on the vertical leg of the guide I4-serve to maintain the springs 38 in place. The lug 32 carried by the plate 22 extends through a slot 40 of the guide plate I6. The springs 30 are preferably located adjacent the ends of the guides [4, though it is of course to be understood that the springs need not be located at such positions. From the foregoing description, it is apparent that. that the springs 30. normally urge the guidesupporting plates l6, and hence the guides I4, toward each other, and that such movement is limited by the screws IS in the slots 29.

For reasons which will become apparent hereinafter, it is necessary at predetermined times to move the guides l4 away from each other so that the cigars carried thereby can be introduced into the cigar box. With this in view, each plate 16 is provided, as will immediately hereafter be de scribed, with, means which, upon application of force in the proper direction, will move the plates l6 against the tension of the springs 30 away from each other and thereby retract the guides 14 to release the cigars carried thereon. In the form shown, the means to which the force is to be applied comprises a roller 44 mounted in a pair of angle supports 46 fixedly secured to the plates I 6, and the force is applied by means of a finger 48. As is shown in Figure 2, each plate is provided with two rollers 44 and a separate finger 48 to cooperate with each roller. Each finger 48 is formed at its operating end with a curved surface 50 constituting a cam, whereby, when the fingers are lowered, the cams 50 thereof will exert a lateral force on the rollers 44, which constitute cam followers, and cause the guide plates [-6, and hence the guides I 4, to be spread apart. Upon release of the force exerted by the cams 55 on the cam followers 44, the springs 30 will restore the guides I4 to normal position. Each guide-supporting plate it is provided with slots 52 to permit the-fingers 48 to pass therethrough. Likewise, the plate 22 is provided with slots 54 to permit the downward movement of the fingers 48.

The fingers 48 cooperating with the rollers 44 can also constitute stop means to limit the movement of the plates l6 toward each other. When this is desired, each cam 50 is designed so that when the lower portion thereof is in contact with its cam follower 44 the plates will be restrained from moving toward'each other and the guides M will be in normal position. In such a construction', it will not be necessary to have the slots 20 cooperate with the screws Hi to limit the movement' of the plates, though they can also be used.

In the form shown, the guides l4 are made of such a length that they will normally support 13 cigars arranged in abutting relationship and extending transversely between the guides. At the forward end, there is provided a stop 60 which controls the number of cigars to be disposed and which is carried by the guide plates. The stop 5!) is carried at one end of a rod 62- slidably mounted in two bearing members 84 and 66 on a plate 68 which is slidably mounted on parallel rails 10, which are in turn fixedly mounted on supporting plate 22. The plate 68 is provided with slots or guides on its under side cooperating with rails 10 to prevent sidewise motion of the plate 68. A spring 16 secured to the bearing 86 and a collar 18 on the rod 62 normally urge the rod 62 rearwardly. The free end of the rod 62 is in close proximity to the switch element 82 of a microswitch 84. The base of the micro-switch 84 is provided with flanges 85 which are secured by screws 81 to the plate 68. Attached to the under side of the plate $8, and projecting through a suitable opening in the supporting plat 22, is an arm- 90. At one end, the arm 98- carries a cam follower 92 which cooperates with a cam 94 mounted on a shaft 96. The cam follower 92 is continuously maintained in contact with the cam 94 by means of a spring 98 positioned between a lug I mounted on the under side of the supporting plate 22 and the end I02 of the arm 90. The cam 94 is of such contour and shape that at predetermined times the plate 68 will position the stop. 60 between the guides to permit the desired number of cigars to be positioned between the guides.

The cigars carried by the guides I4 are to be inserted in a cigar box IIO, which is disposed beneath the guides and in position to receive the cigars inserted therein. The cigar box H0 is maintained in proper position by positioning means comprising, as shown in Figure 1, a pair of oppositely disposed angles H2 and H4 respectively. Since in accordance with this invention the cigar box 0 is shifted after a layer of cigars has been inserted therein, the horizontal leg of the angle I I2 is provided with a slot H6 and a screw H8 extends therethrough and slidably secures the member I I2 to the table 24. The member I I4 is similarly secured to the table 24 by a screw I20 extending through a slot I22 in the horizontal member of the member I I4. It is thus apparent that the members H2 and H4 and the table cooperating therewith constitute a shiftable support for the cigar box IIII. A spring I30 is positioned between the vertical leg of the member H4 and a lug I34 carried by the plate 22. This spring I80 normally urges the member I I4 toward the member H2, 1. e. to the right as viewed in Figure 1.

The vertical member of the angle H2 is secured to an arm I40 which is provided with a cam follower I42 cooperating with a cam I44 on the shaft 88. The cam I44 is such that at predetermined times it will shift the support I I2 so that the box H0 held between it and the member H4 will be shifted a distance to permit the insertion of a subsequent layer of cigars on a previously inserted layer of cigars in staggered relationship. When the arm I40 moves toward the left in Figure 1, the box I I0 between the positioning means will be shifted to the left, the positioning means sliding on the table 24. When the arm I40 moves to the right in Figurel, the support II2 will be moved to the right and the spring I30 will shift the support H4 to the right.

The cigars are inserted into the box through an appropriate opening in the plate 22 by a plunger I50 secured to the lower end of a plunger shaft I52. The plunger shaft I52 is slid-ably mounted in a bearing I54 carried at the end of a stand I80 mounted on the table 24. The upper end of the plunger shaft I52 is pivotally connected to one end of a link I56, the other end of the link I56 being pivotally connected to a lever I 58 pivotally mounted on a pivot shaft I62. The ends of the pivot shaft I62 are secured in -a pair of oppositely disposed uprights I64, the bases I66 thereof being secured to the table 24 by screws E68. The lever I58 is provided with a cam follower I cooperating with a cam I12 mounted on a shaft I13. The cam follower I10 is maintained in contact with the cam I12 by a spring I14, one end of which is secured to a pin I16 on the support I64, and the other end being secured to a pin 580 on an arm I82 formed integral with the cam lever I58. As schematically shown in Figure 1, the form and contour of the cam I 12 is such that it will cause the plunger to move at varying distances downwardly for each stroke thereof. For example, when the cam follower I10 is in contact with the raised portion I90, the

plunger I50 will be moved downwardly for a distance in the cigar box IIO to insert a layer of cigars on the bottom of the box. Thereafter, the contour of the cam is such that the plunger I50 will be elevated and maintained in elevated position until the requisite number of cigars has been positioned on the guides for the next layer to be inserted in the box. When the cam follower I10 engages the portion I92 of the cam, the plunger will be depressed to a distance sufficient to dispose the second layer of cigars on the first layer of cigars Without undue compression. Thereafter, the plunger is elevated and, after another layer of cigars is positioned on the guides for insertion, the cam will engage the portion of the cam designated by I94. The plunger I50 will then be depressed to such a distance that the third layer of cigars will be disposed on the second layer of cigars without any unnecessary compression. Continued rotation of the cam then causes the plunger to be elevated and, after the number of cigars to constitute the fourth layer has been positioned on the guides, the cam follower is engaged by the portion of the cam designated by the reference numeral I86 whereby the plunger is depressed an amount sufficient to deposit the fourth layer of cigars on the third layer. the foregoing it is apparent that, in the packaging of cigars in any box with each layer introduced,

the stroke of the plunger is decreased an amount equal to the diameter of the cigars.

In the preferred embodiment, provision is made to relieve jamming when, as and if it occurs under the plungerI50. This can be accomplished by yieldingly mounting the cam follower I10 on lever I58 by means of a strong tension spring holding the lever I58 rigidly except when subjected to undue strain.

Referring noW to Figure 4 wherein a specific embodiment is shown, instead of the single lever I58 there is provided a bell-crank lever I98 and an arm 200, both pivotally mounted on a shaft 202 which is mounted in the machine in the same manner as shaft I62 of the previous embodiment. One end of the bell-crank lever I98 is secured to the link I55 in the same manner as the lever I58. As shown in the drawings, the arm 200 is pivotally mounted on shaft 202 intermediate its ends and is provided on one end thereof with a cam follower 204 which is adapted to cooperate with the cam I12 in the same manner as the cam follower I10 in Figure 1. The arm 200 is provided with a pin v286 which freely passes through an aperture in a lug 208 formed integrally with the bell-crank lever I98. A spring 2I4, coiled about the pin 206, is positioned between two' washers 2H5 and MB. A nut 224 adjusts the spring compression so that the bell-crank lever I98 and the arm 208 are maintained substantially rigid during operation under normal conditions and provide relief in case of jamming of the plunger I50. When the above construction is utilized in the apparatus, the end of the spring I14 that is to be secured to the pin I on arm I82 is secured to a pin 226 on the arm 228 of the bell-crank lever I98, and thereby the cam follower 204 is maintained in cooperative relationship with the cam I12.

The fingers 48, which cooperated with the rollers 44 to shift the plates I 6 so that the guides I4 From moment. the plunger I50 engages the cigars, the cam. elements. 50: on: the ends of the fingers 4%! will cooperate with the rollers 44 to. move the guides I4 apart to release the cigars held thereby and permit insertion thereof in the box, as previously described.

The plunger I50 is provided with an upwardly extending flange 220. which functions as a stop; to prevent further delivery of cigars from the discharge table I to the guides I4 during the insertion of a layer of. cigars in the box. The height of the flange 220 is such that it will function as a stop even when the plunger I50 is in its extreme lower position.

The length of the plunger I58 is such that. it will simultaneously contact a layer of 13 cigars formed on the guides and insert the same in the box. The. plunger I50 is provided withv a slot 22 2- which will clear the stop 50 and rod 62 when the stop 605 has been positioned to permit I2 cigars to be carried by the guides I4.

A sprocket 260 is mounted on a shaft 262 of a geared motor 284 seated on a support 266' on the table 24. The sprocket 260 drives a sprocket chain 268 which passes over a sprocket 210 on the plunger cam shaft I13 and over a sprocket 212 on the cam shaft 96. The motor is provided with a single-revolution clutch of any known type and generally designated by the reference numeral 280. The operating lever 232 is actuated by a solenoid 284 which is electrically connected by the lines 286 to the micro-switch 84. Lines 288 electrically connect the micro-switch to a suitable source of electrical energy.

The sizes of the sprockets 260, 216 and 212 are such as to operate the various mechanisms intermittently and in timed sequence to produce the functions hereinbefore described. Inthe embodiment shown, when the sprocket 263 makes one revolution, the sprocket 210 will make a fourth of a revolution and the sprocket 212 will make half a revolution.

In operation, the cigar box II 0 is positioned, as previously described, between the members H2 and II the cigar box to contain four superimposed alternating layers of cigars containing 13 and 12 cigars. At the beginning ofthe cycle, the plate 68 positions the stop 60 so that, after 13 cigars have been fed onto the guides I4 from the discharge table, the pressure of the cigarsagainst the stop 68 forces the rod 62 to move to the right (in Figure 2) whereupon the rod 62' will move the switch element 82 of the micro-switch 84 to close the circuit, whereby the solenoid 284 will be energized and the single-revolution clutch 280 will be released and the motor shaft 262 will make a single revolution. The cam follower I70 will engage the portion I90 of the plunger cam I12, whereby the plunger I59 Will be depressedand the layer of 13 cigars will be introduced onto the bottom of the cigar box. During the depression of the plunger, the fingers 48 will retract the guides 14 so that at the moment the plunger engages the cigars in the guides they will be released and' inserted in the box. The tie-energizing of the solenoid 284 is accomplished on the downstroke of the plunger I50; Upon depression of the cigars by the plunger I50, the pressure of the cigars against the stop 65 is removed,

whereupon the spring I6 forces the stop rod 62 to the left (in Figure 2) and the switch. element 82:

of the micro-switch 84 moves to the-left" (in: Figure 1) opening the circuit. The: stop 2'20 prevents any cigars from passing from the discharge-table I0 to the'guides I4. During the cigar-inserting operation, the previously described: positions of the plate 6& and supports H2 and H4 are stationary. As the plunger I50 leaves the box 0' and is being returned to. its normal inoperative position, the rotation of the cam 94 causes the follower 92 to shift the. plate 68, andv with it the stop 6.0, toward. the left (in Figure l) for a distance approximately equal to: one cigar- At the same time the arm I moves the support I112. to the left, as shown in Figure 1, for a distanceof approximately one-half the. diameter of a cigar. The support Ill, being yieldably mounted, also shifts over the table 24 by the box in. engagement therewith. With the elevation of. the plunger I50, and. after the stop 220 has been moved to inoperative position, the cigars are again fed onto the guides: I4. When I2. cigars have been positioned on: the guides I4, the pressure thereof against the stop 60-forces the rod 62 to move tothe right in Figure 1, and again causes the solenoid 284 to be energized. When the solenoid is againenergized, the'motor shaft 252 will make a single revolution. The cam follower I10 engages the portion I92 of the. plunger cam I12, whereby the plunger is depressed and the second layer of cigars is inserted in. the box in staggered relationship to the previously inserted layer of cigars, the stroke of the plunger being decreased an amount equal to approximately the diameter of a cigar. As the plunger I5fiis being returned to its original position, rotation of the cam. 94 causes the follower 92 to shift the plate. 68 and with it the stop 60 toward the right (in Figure l) for a distance approximately equal to l cigar. Atv the same time, the member I I2 is shiftedrtothe right (in Figure l.) to. its. normal position by the arm I40. The springv I30 urges the member 4 to the right (in Figure 1), thereby shifting the box' into position to receive the next layer of 13- cigars. The above cycle of steps is repeated until the desired number of; layers of cigars are inserted-in. the box, it being understood that for each subsequent insertionzof a layer of cigars in thebox the downward stroke of the plunger ISO is decreased an: amount equal to the diameter of a cigar.

If desired, the plunger I may be provided with a vacuum head to more firmly hold the cigars during insertion into the box. Means will be provided to break the vacuum at proper times so thatthe cigars will be released.

Though the invention has been specifically described with packaging 50 cigars in a box of alternate layers of l3- and 12' cigars each, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted thereto. The invention is equally applicable to automatically packaging any number of layers of cigars in a box, the cigars in one layer being disposed in staggered relationship to the layers of cigars adjacent thereto. Likewise-,the layers may be composed of any desired number of cigars. Further, the invention is not restricted to the packaging of cigars, since it is manifest that it can be utilized for the packaging. of articles whose longitudinal axes are considerably greater than the transverse axes thereof.

Since it is obvious that many changes and modifications canbe made in the above-described details without departing, from the nature and spirit of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited thereto except as set forth, in the appended claims.

I- claim:

I. In a machine for packaging cigars in super- 9 imposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced yieldable guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed to form successive layers, a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts the layer of cigars on said guides in said box, means to decrease the successive downward movements of the plunger, in the packagin of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, means adjacent the forward end of and cooperating with said guides to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively formed on said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer inserted in the box is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, and means to shift the box to permit the cigars of each layer to be inserted in superimposed staggered relationship with respect to the cigars of the layer inserted immediately prior thereto.

2. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced yieldable guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed to form successive layers, a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts the layer of cigars on said guides in said box, means to decrease the successive downward movements of the plunger, in the packaging of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, means to move said guides away from each other to release the layer of cigars for insertion in the box by said lunger, means adjacent the forward end of and cooperating with said guides to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively formed on said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer inserted in the box is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, and means to shift the box to permit the cigars of each layer to be inserted in superimposed staggered relationship with respect to the cigars of the layer inserted immediately prior thereto.

3. In a machine for packing cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced yieldable guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed to form successive layers, a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts the layer of cigars on said guides in said box, means to decrease the successive downward movements of the plunger, in the packaging of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, means actuated by said plunger on its downward movement to move said guides away from each other to release the layer of cigars for insertion by said plunger, means adjacent the forward end of and cooperating with said guides to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively formed on said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer inserted in the box is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, and means to shift the box to permit the cigars of each layer to be inserted in superimposed staggered relationship with respect to the cigars of the layer inserted immediately prior thereto.

4. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced plates carrying guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed to form successive layers, means to yieldingly mount each of said plates to normally urge them toward each other, means to limit the movement of said plates toward each other whereby said guides are normally in spaced relationship, a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts the layer of cigars on said guides in said box, means to decrease the successive downward movements of the plunger, in the packaging of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, means to move said plates away from each other whereby the guides release the layer of cigars held thereby, means adjacent the forward end of and cooperating with said guides to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively formed on said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer inserted in the box is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, and means to shift the box to permit the cigars of each layer to be inserted in superimposed staggered relationship with respect to the cigars of the layer inserted immediately prior thereto.

5. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced yieldable guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed to form successive layers, a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts the layer of cigars on said guides in said box, meansto decrease the suocessive downward movements of the plunger, in the packaging of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, a'stop cooperating with said guides to control the number of cigars in each layersuccessively formed on said guides, means to shift said stop longitudinally of said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer inserted in the box is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one,

said box positioning means comprising a pair of members adapted to engage the opposite ends of said box, each of said members being slidably mounted relative to each other, means to continually urge onev of said members toward the other, means to shift the other of said members at predetermined times whereby the box and member are shifted continually toward said other member to permit the cigars of each layer to be inserted in superimposed staggered rela-' tionship with respect to the cigars of the layer inserted immediately prior thereto, said plunger, said stop-shifting means and said box-positioning means being operated in timed relationship.

6. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced yieldable guides between which cigars are fed and transversely disposed to form a layer, a stop adjacent the forward end of said guides to retain the layer of cigars on said guides,

' a plunger above said guides, means to position a cigar box beneath said guides, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times whereby it inserts said layer of cigars in said box, means to decrease the successive downward movements of the plunger, in the packagin of a box, an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, means to move said guides away from each other to release the cigars carried thereby and permit insertion thereof in said box by said plunger, means to shift said stop longitudinally of the guides to vary the number ofcigars in each layer successively disposed on said guides so that the number of cigars in every other layer is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, and-means to shift the cigar box longitudinally in the same direction in which said stop is shifted for a distance approximately equal to one-half of the diameter of a cigar.

7. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced plates carrying guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed transversely therebetween in side-by-side relationship with the ends of said cigars on the guide adjacent thereto, means to yieldingly mount each of said plates to normally urge them toward each other, means to limit the movement of said plates toward each other whereby said guides are normally in spaced relationship, a

plunger above said guides, means to position a i.

cigar box beneath said guides, a stop adjacent the forward end of said guides to retain a layer of cigars on said guides, means to shift said stop longitudinally of the guides a distance approximately equal to the diameter of a cigar to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively disposed on said guides so that the number in every other layer is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, means to actuate said plunger at predetermined times, fingers carried by said plunger, means on said guide plates in position to be engaged by said fingers on the downward stroke of the plunger whereby said guide plates are retracted and the cigars released from said guides, means to decrease the successive downward movements of said plunger an amount equal to the diameter of one cigar during the filling of a box, and means to shift the box-positioning means longitudinally in the same directionin which said stop is shifted for a distance approximately equal to one-half of the diameter of a cigar.

8. In a machine for packaging cigars in superimposed layers in a cigar box, a pair of oppositely disposed spaced plates carrying guides between which the cigars are fed and disposed transversely therebetween in side-by-side relationship with the ends of said cigars on the guide adjacent thereto, means to yieldingly mount each of said plates to normally urge them toward each other, means to limitthe movement of said plates toward each other whereby said guides are normally in spaced relationship, a plunger above 12 said guides, means to p'osition a cigar box beneath said guides, a stop adjacent the forward end of said guides to retain a layer of cigars on said guides, a motor, a single revolution clutch cooperatin with the shaft of said motor, means to release said clutch at predetermined times whereby said motor shaft will make one revolution, a shaft, means to drive said shaft from said motor shaft so that it will make one-half a revolution while said motor shaft makes one revolution, means actuated by said shaft to shift said stop longitudinally of the guides a distance approximately equal to the diameter of a cigar to vary the number of cigars in each layer successively disposed on said guides so that the number in every other layer is equal and in adjacent layers differs by one, means actuated by said motor shaft to shift the box-positioning means longitudinally in the same direction in which said stop is shifted for a distance approximately equal to one-half of the diameter of a cigar, a second shaft, means driven by said motor shaft to rotate said second shaft so that for each rotation of the motor shaft said second shaft will be rotated through an are equivalent to 360 divided by the number of layers to be inse'rted in said box, a cam on said second shaft, a lever connected to said plunger and operated by said cam to alternately depress and elevate said plunger during each movement of said second shaft, said cam being of a contour to actuate said plunger during the filling of a box so that each downward movement of said plunger will be decreased an amount equal to the diameter of a cigar, fingers carried by said plunger, and means on said guide plates in position to be engaged by said fingers on the downward stroke of the plunger whereby said guide plates are retracted and the cigars released from said guides.

GIRARD E. BOUDREAU.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,280,854 Rooney Apr. 28, 1942 2,296,802 Thompson Sept. 22, 1942 2,358,447 Creamer Sept. 19, 1944 2,400,484 Campana May 21, 1946 2,413,659 Spector Dec. 31, 1946 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,493,221 January 3, 1950 GIRARD E. BOUDREAU It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 4, line 4, strike out the word that, first occurrence; column 9, line 46, for packing read packaging; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oflice.

Signed and sealed this 9th day of May, A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Oommissianer of Patents. 

